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Young And Middle Adulthood Case Studies

Decent Essays

Young and Middle Adulthood Case Studies
Christina Gonzales
BSHS/325
March 9, 2015
Maria Perrotta
Young and Middle Adulthood Case Studies
Peck (1968) suggests that it is psychologically healthy for middle-aged adults to redefine the people in their lives so they can find value in their relationships (Zastrow, 2011). Michael a 45-year old male with no children, weight issues, and a girlfriend with children of whom he is uncertain about in his life is struggling with dealing with his weight and health issues. In addition, to his personal problems Michael also has his sister Taylor to look after who has been diagnosed with HIV. Michael is in the stage of his life where he is redefining his identity and questioning those around him and the …show more content…

Taylor is in denial of her disease and chooses to not confront the issue. Taylor lives an unhealthy lifestyle both mentally and physically because she refuses to work and date. This form of tendency can inhibit a person from personal and psychological growth. Taylor has yet to develop her self-actualization because although she may have beneficial qualities such as cooking and caregiving she doesn’t have any interest in developing her own life. This type of behavior can push her relationship with her brother away because she can become too dependent on his attention and love that he is unable to provide a life for his girlfriend and her own children.
Conclusion
“All behavior is our constant attempt to reduce the difference between what we want (the pictures in our heads) and what we actually have (the way we situations in the world)” (Glasser, p. 32, 1932). If Michael and Taylor do not make a life change they will be incapable of forming a relationship outside of the current sibling one they hold. Taylor screaming at Michael when he addresses the issue of her HIV is a sign of denial and embarrassment. Because she chooses not to move forward from her divorce she will continue to live an unhealthy lifestyle and struggle to find her self-identity and self-worth. Her role in life will always be that of a helpless child. Michael consciously chooses to change his diet in moderation showing improvement and change.
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